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Abstract:

An external device is configured to be directly connected to an image
forming device. The external device includes an image storage unit
configured to store therein image data. The external device further
includes a setting unit configured to issue a plurality of output
commands of the image data to an image forming device based on a total
number of images to be output by the image forming device and a specified
mode indicative of a number of images to be output onto one side of a
medium. The external device further includes a communication unit
configured to transmit the image data based on the plurality of output
commands to the image forming device.

Claims:

1. An external device configured to be directly connected to an image
forming device, the external device comprising: an image storage unit
configured to store therein image data; a setting unit configured to
issue a plurality of output commands of the image data to an image
forming device based on a total number of images to be output by the
image forming device and a specified mode indicative of a number of
images to be output onto one side of a medium; and a communication unit
configured to transmit the image data based on the plurality of output
commands to the image forming device.

2. The external device according to claim 1, wherein a number of images
to be output in one of the output commands is a multiple of the specified
mode.

3. The external device according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit is
further configured to set an output mode to either of a one-sided output
and a two-sided output, and the plurality of output commands are issued
based on the output mode.

4. The external device according to claim 3, wherein upon setting, by the
setting unit, the output mode to the two-sided output, the setting unit
issues the plurality of output commands of the image data to the image
forming device, and a number of images to be output in one of the output
commands is an even-number multiple of the specified mode.

5. The external device according to claim 3, wherein upon setting, by the
setting unit, the output mode to the one-sided output, the setting unit
issues the plurality of output commands of the image data to the image
forming device, and a number of images to be output in one of the output
commands is a multiple of the specified mode.

6. The external device according to claim 3, further comprising: a user
interface configured to display operating mode information received from
the image forming device, the operating mode information indicating at
least one operating mode of the image forming device.

7. An image forming system, comprising: an external device to store
therein image data; and an image forming device directly connected to the
external device, wherein the external device includes: an image storage
unit configured to store therein image data, a setting unit configured to
issue a plurality of output commands of the image data to an image
forming device based on a total number of images to be output by the
image forming device and a specified mode indicative of a number of
images to be output onto one side of a medium, and a communication unit
configured to transmit the image data based on the plurality of output
commands to the image forming device.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein a number of
images to be output in one of the output commands is a multiple of the
specified mode.

9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the setting
unit is further configured to set an output mode to either of a one-sided
output and a two-sided output, and the plurality of output commands are
issued based on the output mode.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein upon setting,
by the setting unit, the output mode to the two-sided output, the setting
unit issues the plurality of output commands of the image data to the
image forming device, and a number of images to be output in one of the
output commands is an even-number multiple of the specified mode.

11. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein upon setting,
by the setting unit, the output mode to the one-sided output, the setting
unit issues the plurality of output commands of the image data to the
image forming device, and a number of images to be output in one of the
output commands is a multiple of the specified mode.

12. The image forming system according to claim 9, further comprising: a
user interface configured to display operating mode information received
from the image forming device, the operating mode information indicating
at least one operating mode of the image forming device.

13. A method of forming an image by an image forming system that includes
an image forming device and an external device that are connected
directly, the method comprising: storing, by an image storage unit, image
data; issuing, by a setting unit, a plurality of output commands of the
image data to an image forming device based on a total number of images
to be output by the image forming device and a specified mode indicative
of a number of images to be output onto one side of a medium; and
transmitting, by a communication unit, the image data based on the
plurality of output commands to the image forming device.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a number of images to be
output in one of the output commands is a multiple of the specified mode.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: setting, by the
setting unit, an output mode to either of a one-sided output and a
two-sided output; and issuing the plurality of output commands based on
the output mode.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: issuing, by the
setting unit, the plurality of output commands of the image data to the
image forming device upon setting, by the setting unit, the output mode
to the two-sided output, wherein a number of images to be output in one
of the output commands is an even-number multiple of the specified mode.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: issuing, by the
setting unit, the plurality of output commands of the image data to the
image forming device upon setting, by the setting unit, the output mode
to the one-sided output, wherein a number of images to be output in one
of the output commands is a multiple of the specified mode.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: displaying, via
a user interface, operating mode information received from the image
forming device, the operating mode information indicating at least one
operating mode of the image forming device.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/111,437 filed Apr. 29, 2008, which is based upon and claims the
benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-140646 filed
May 28, 2007, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated
herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a method and system of forming an
image, and an external device.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] To print out an image obtained by a digital camera according to a
conventional technology, the image is first sent from a memory card of
the digital camera to a personal computer (PC). An application for image
viewing or image processing is then activated, and the image in the PC is
output to a printer that is connected to the PC via a printer driver.

[0006] In this manner, the image recorded in the digital camera need be
transmitted from the PC to the printer. Furthermore, a user has to
perform complicated operation, such as operation of an application for
printing out the image, or settings of the printer driver.

[0007] To solve the above problem, standards for a direct printing system
such as PictBridge (registered trademark) have been established in which
a digital camera and a printer are directly connected to each other
without a PC, and digital cameras or printers that support the standards
have been widely spread. For example, Japanese Patent Application
Laid-open No. 2004-64740 discloses a technology related to the direct
printing system.

[0008] Furthermore, in network direct printing disclosed in, for example,
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-289907, an output mode
including two-sided printing can be set by a printer.

[0009] In the conventional technology disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open No. 2004-64740, a printing device performs the
direct printing based on a communication command that is commonly used by
various manufacturers. However, functions to be performed based on such a
communication command do not include a function of specifying a
complicated print mode. If a PC is employed in a printing system, it is
possible to specify a mode for outputting an image onto two sides of a
medium. However, such a mode cannot be specified in the direct printing
system according to the conventional technology.

[0010] In the conventional technology disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open No. 2006-289907, it is possible to specify a mode
for outputting an image on two sides of a medium by the printer. However,
the limited number of images can be output by the camera as one job. When
more than the limited number of images is requested to be output from the
camera, the images are divided into several groups, and the images in
each of the groups are transmitted as one job. In such a case, if a mode
for two-sided printing is simply specified by the printer, two-sided
printing cannot be properly performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially
solve the problems in the conventional technology.

[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an image forming system including an external device that stores therein
image data; and an image forming device that is directly connected to the
external device. The external device includes an image storage unit that
stores therein image data; a setting unit that sets an output mode to
either one of a one-sided output and a two-sided output; and a first
communication unit configured to transmit the image data and output-mode
data indicative of the output mode to the image forming device. The image
forming device includes a second communication unit configured to receive
the image data and the output-mode data from the external device; a
determining unit that determines an output mode specified in the
output-mode data received by the second communication unit; an image
output unit that outputs the image data received by the second
communication unit in the output mode determined by the determining unit;
and an output control unit that controls operation of the image output
unit.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an external device that is configured to be directly connected
to an image forming device. The external device includes an image storage
unit that stores therein image data; a setting unit that sets an output
mode to either one of a one-sided output and a two-sided output; and a
communication unit configured to transmit the image data and output-mode
data indicative of the output mode to the image forming device.

[0014] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of forming an image by an image forming system that
includes an image forming device and an external device that are
connected directly. The method includes a first processing performed by
the external device and a second processing performed by the image
forming device. The first processing includes storing image data in a
storage unit; setting an output mode to either one of a one-sided output
and a two-sided output; and transmitting the image data and output-mode
data indicative of the output mode to the image forming device. The
second processing includes receiving the image data and the output-mode
data from the external device; determining an output mode specified in
the output-mode data received at the receiving; outputting the image data
received at the receiving in the output mode determined at the
determining; and controlling operation at the outputting.

[0015] The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and
industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by
reading the following detailed description of presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an example of a configuration of the image forming
system;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining a basic process of a
direct printing performed by the image forming system shown in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an example of job data for the direct printing to be
transmitted from a camera to a printing device shown in FIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of operation performed by the image forming
device shown in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of operation performed by an external device
shown in FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of operation performed by the image forming
device when receiving a job output command from the external device;

[0023]FIG. 8 is an example of capability data to be transmitted from the
image forming device to the external device;

[0024]FIG. 9 is an example of job data when the user specifies a
two-sided output according to the first embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of
dividing images to be transmitted into a plurality of jobs upon
performing one-sided printing according to a conventional technology;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of
dividing images to be transmitted into a plurality of jobs according to a
second embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of
dividing images to be transmitted into a plurality of jobs upon two-sided
printing according to a conventional technology; and

[0028]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of
dividing images to be transmitted into a plurality of jobs according to a
third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in
detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system 10 according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system
10 includes an external device 20 and an image forming device 30. The
external device 20 stores therein image data. The image forming device 30
acquires the image data from the external device, and outputs the
acquired image data. The external device 20 and the image forming device
30 are directly connected to each other via a universal serial bus (USB)
cable 50.

[0031] The external device 20 includes a communication unit 22, an image
storage unit 24, and a two-sided setting unit 26. The communication unit
22 communicates with the image forming device 30 via the USB cable 50.
The image storage unit 24 is a storage device, such as a memory card. The
two-sided setting unit 26 is a characteristic unit in the first
embodiment. Specifically, when a user specifies a mode for outputting an
image onto one side or two sides of a medium, such as a paper, setting
data indicative of the mode is transmitted from the external device 20 to
the image forming device 30. A bitmap image for either an image output
unit 36 or a two-sided output unit 40 is then created based on the
setting data. Thus, the image is output onto a medium.

[0034] The image output unit 36 outputs specified image data onto a paper
medium, or the like. The output-setting control unit 38 controls the
image output unit 36 based on the print setting data received by the
print-command analyzing unit 34, and specified print settings received by
the image forming device 30. For example, the output-setting control unit
38 causes the image output unit 36 to output an image file onto the
predetermined number of print copies. Furthermore, the output-setting
control unit 38 causes the image output unit 36 to output an edited image
onto the predetermined number of print copies. The two-sided output unit
40 outputs specified image data onto two sides of a paper medium, or the
like.

[0035]FIG. 2 is an example of a configuration of the image forming system
10. The image forming system 10 includes a camera 20A (external device)
and a printing device 30A (image forming device). The camera 20A is, for
example, a digital still camera. The printing device 30A is, for example,
a direct printer. The printing device 30A performs the direct printing.
Specifically, the printing device 30A receives an image directly from the
camera 20A, and prints out the received image. The camera 20A and the
printing device 30A are directly connected to each other via a USE cable
50A. The direct printing can be performed between the camera 20A and the
printing device 30A by using a specified communication format, such as
the PictBridge.

[0036]FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining a basic process of the
direct printing performed by the image forming system 10 shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an example of job data for the direct printing to be
transmitted from the camera 20A to the printing device 30A. As shown in
FIG. 3, when the printing device 30A and the camera 20A are directly
connected to each other via the USE cable 50A, the camera 20A and the
printing device 30A notify each other of printing service thereof. When
the camera 20A requests printing capability data from the printing device
30A, the printing device 30A transmits the printing capability data
thereof to the camera 20A. The printing capability data contains, for
example, data on print quality, a paper size, availability of index
printing, and layout of an image to be printed on one page.

[0037] The camera 20A configures a user interface (UI) for the direct
printing based on the printing capability data received from the printing
device 30A. The user operates the UI to select one or more images to be
output among images in the camera 20A, set a condition for output of the
selected image, and send a command to output the image. Thus, the job
data shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted from the camera 20A to the printing
device 30A. The job data contains data on print quality, a size of a
paper onto which an image is output, whether the image has been
corrected, layout of the image, and ID of the image to be output.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, when the printing device 30A receives the job
data from the camera 20A, the print-command analyzing unit 34 analyzes
the job data, thereby setting a condition for output of the image.
Furthermore, the printing device 30A refers to the ID of the image
contained in the job data, and then requests image data with the ID from
the camera 20A. Upon receiving the image data, the printing device 30A
decodes the received image data, and draws an image, thereby outputting
the image onto a paper.

[0039]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of operation performed by the image forming
device 30. When the image forming device 30 and the external device 20
are directly connected to each other via the USB cable 50 as shown in
FIG. 1, the image forming device 30 and the external device 20 notify
each other of printing service thereof. Specifically, when the external
device 20 transmits service data thereof to the image forming device 30,
the communication unit 32 receives the service data (Step S100). The
image forming device 30 then transmits service data thereof to the
external device 20 (Step S102).

[0040] The image forming device 30 determines whether the camera (external
device 20) connected to the image forming device 30 has a function of
specifying two-sided printing based on the service data received from the
external device 20 (Step S104). If the external device 20 has the
function of specifying two-sided printing, the image forming device 30
creates two-sided output capability data as one of the printing
capability data (Step S108). The printing capability data is to be
transmitted to the external device 20 at Step S112. When the image
forming device 30 receives a request for capability data from the
external device 20, the image forming device 30 transmits the capability
data including the two-sided output capability data to the external
device 20 (Step S112).

[0042] If the camera does not have the function of specifying two-sided
printing (No at Step S104), or if the two-sided output unit 40 is not
mounted in the image forming device 30 (No at Step S106), the image
forming device 30 creates the capability data excluding the two-sided
output capability data (Step S110). Thus, because the image forming
device 30 does not transmit the two-sided output capability data to the
external device 20, the function of specifying two-sided printing is not
effectively performed in this direct printing system configured by the
external device 20 and the image forming device 30.

[0043]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of operation performed by the external device
20. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of operation performed by the image forming
device 30 when receiving a job output command from the external device
20. FIG. 8 is an example of the capability data to be transmitted from
the image forming device 30 to the external device 20. FIG. 9 is an
example of the job data when the user specifies a two-sided output. When
the image forming device 30 and the external device 20 are directly
connected to each other via the USB cable 50 as shown in FIG. 1, the
image forming device 30 and the external device 20 notify each other of
printing service thereof. Specifically, when the external device 20
transmits service data thereof to the image forming device 30 (Step
S200), the image forming device 30 transmits service data thereof to the
external device 20. The external device 20 then receives the service data
from the image forming device 30 (Step S202).

[0044] After the external device 20 and the image forming device 30
transmit and receive the service data to and from each other, the
external device 20 requests capability data from the image forming device
30 (Step S204). The external device 20 then receives the capability data
from the image forming device 30 (Step S206). As shown in FIG. 8, it is
determined whether the capability data contains the element of "Duplex"
(whether the element of "Duplex" is ON or OFF). The element of "Duplex"
indicates two-sided output capability. The UI is configured when the
capability data contains the element of "Duplex".

[0045] The external device 20 determines whether the received capability
data contains two-sided output capability data (Step S208). If the
capability data contains the two-sided output capability data (Yes at
Step S208), settings of the UI are added (Step S212), so that the user
can specify two-sided printing via the UI by using an operating unit (not
shown) of the camera. The external device 20 then configures the
two-sided setting unit 26 as shown in FIG. 1 (Step S210).

[0046] If the capability data does not contain the two-sided output
capability data (No at Step S208), the external device 20 configures the
UI in which a menu for specifying two-sided printing is not created (Step
S210). Therefore, the function of specifying two-sided printing is not
effectively performed in this direct printing system configured by the
external device 20 and the image forming device 30.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the user specifies two-sided printing through
the menu in the UI. The user then selects an image to be output, and
sends a command for a print job to the image forming device 30. When the
image forming device 30 receive the print job, the print-command
analyzing unit 34 analyzes the print job (Step S300). The print-command
analyzing unit 34 determines whether job data contains two-sided output
data (Step S302).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, when the element of "Duplex" contained in the
job data is ON, the image forming device 30 analyzes the job data, and
performs two-sided printing (Step S304). When the element of "Duplex" is
not ON, the image forming device 30 performs one-sided printing (Step
S308). When the image forming device 30 performs a two-sided or one-sided
printing, the image forming device 30 creates a frame image based on an
image file received from the external device 20, and outputs an image
onto a paper (Step S306).

[0049] As described above, in the first embodiment, the external device 20
and the image forming device 30 are directly connected to each other.
When the direct printing is performed between the external device 20 and
the image forming device 30, settings for two-sided printing can be
specified by the external device 20. Thus, it is possible to properly
perform two-sided printing.

[0050] When the user specifies settings for output of the image forming
device 30 via the two-sided setting unit 26, it is necessary for the
external device 20 to create the job data shown in FIG. 9. However, when
the image forming device 30 outputs multiple images at one time, a large
amount of image data need be contained in the job data. In such a case,
if the amount of image data is larger than a resource capacity of the
external device 20, the external device 20 cannot create the job data.

[0051] In such a case, the multiple images are divided into several groups
in such a manner that a data amount of one group is equal to or smaller
than a maximum data amount that the external device 20 can create job
data, and the images in each of the groups are transmitted as one job. In
this manner, it is possible to print out the multiple images at one time.
However, a page break can be made at an undesired position depending on
the predetermined number of images printable on one page (hereinafter,
"maximum page-based image number". In a second embodiment of the present
invention, even if the images are transmitted as a plurality of jobs upon
the direct printing between the external device 20 and the image forming
device 30, it is possible to prevent placing a page break at an undesired
position. Therefore, it is possible to properly perform one-sided
printing.

[0052]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of
dividing images to be transmitted into a plurality of jobs upon one-sided
printing according to a conventional technology. FIG. 11 is a schematic
diagram for explaining an example of dividing images to be transmitted
into a plurality of jobs according to the second embodiment. It is
assumed that the maximum number of images that can be processed by the
camera as one job (hereinafter, "maximum job-based image number") is 100,
the user inputs a command to output 103 images by one-sided printing, and
the maximum page-based image number is three. As shown in FIG. 10, the
camera divides the images at the 100th image, i.e., the maximum job-based
image number. Therefore, the first job contains the 1st to the 100th
images. In this case, only the 100th image is output onto page 34. The
101st to the 103rd images are output onto page 35 in the second job. As a
result, an undesired page break is made after the 100th image on page 34.
This printing result will be different from expectation of the user who
has made the command to output the 103 images.

[0053] In the second embodiment, when the user requests with the two-sided
setting unit 26 the image forming device 30 to output image data by
one-sided printing, the number of images to be contained in one job is
set to a multiple of a specified mode. The specified mode means the
maximum page-based image number. It is assumed that the maximum job-based
image number is 100, and the maximum page-based image number is three.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the number 99 is a multiple of the
number 3, and the number 99 is smaller than 100. Therefore, the 99th
image is the maximum number at which the images are divided. Thus, the
first job contains the 1st to the 99th images, and the second job
contains the 100th to the 103rd images. In this manner, it is possible to
prevent the images from being divided at an undesired position. It is
possible to properly perform one-sided printing.

[0054] As described above, in the second embodiment, when images are
printed on one side of each paper, the images are not divided at the
maximum job-based image number. Instead, the images are divided at the
number that is a multiple of the maximum page-based image number, and
that is smaller than the maximum job-based image number. Therefore, it is
possible to prevent an undesired page break between the images. Thus, it
is possible to properly perform one-sided printing.

[0055]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of
dividing images to be transmitted into a plurality of jobs upon two-sided
printing according to a conventional technology. FIG. 13 is a schematic
diagram for explaining an example of dividing images to be transmitted
into a plurality of jobs according to a third embodiment of the present
invention. It is assumed that the maximum job-based image number is 100,
the user inputs a command to output 103 images by two-sided printing, and
the maximum page-based image number is three. As shown in FIG. 12, the
camera divides the images at the 100th image, i.e., the maximum job-based
image number. More than the maximum number of images cannot be processed
due to an insufficient resource of the camera. As a result, a page break
is made after the 100th image on the back side of page 17. The 101st
image is printed on the front side of page 18. This printing result will
be different from expectation of the user who has made the command to
output the 103 images.

[0056] In the third embodiment, when the user requests with the two-sided
setting unit 26 the image forming device 30 to output image data by
two-sided printing, the number of images to be contained in one job is
set to an even-multiple of a specified mode. The specified mode means the
maximum page-based image number. It is assumed that the maximum job-based
image number is 100, and the maximum page-based image number is three.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the number 99 is an even-number
multiple of the number 3. Therefore, the 99th image is the maximum number
at which the images are divided. Thus, the first job contains the 1st to
the 96th images. The 1st to the 96th images are printed on pages 1 to 16.
The second job contains the 97th to the 103rd images. In this manner, it
is possible to prevent the images from being divided at the undesired
position. It is possible to properly perform two-sided printing.

[0057] As described above, in the third embodiment, when the images are
printed on two sides of each paper, the images are not divided at the
maximum job-based image number. Instead, the images are divided at the
number that is an even-number multiple of the maximum page-based image
number, and that is smaller than the maximum job-based image number.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent a page break at an undesired
position. Thus, it is possible to properly perform one-sided printing.

[0058] An image forming program executed by the image forming system for
the direct printing can be stored, in a form of a file that is
installable and executable on a computer, in a recording medium readable
by the computer, such as a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a
floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), and a digital versatile disk
(DVD).

[0059] When the image forming device 30 reads the image forming program
from the recording medium and executes the read program, the programs are
loaded on a main memory, thereby creating each unit of a software
configuration on the main memory.

[0060] On the other hand, the image forming program can be stored in
another computer connected to the computer via a network such as the
Internet, and downloaded to the computer via the network.

[0061] According to an aspect of the present invention, setting
information for two-sided printing can be transmitted directly from the
external device to the image forming device upon the direct printing.
Therefore, one-sided printing and two-sided printing can be selectively
performed in a proper manner.

[0062] Moreover, before image data is transmitted from the external device
to the image forming device, it can be determined whether two-sided
printing is set, or whether the image forming device can perform
two-sided printing based on a communication command indicative of setting
data. Therefore, data transmission can be effectively reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, when the external device is connected to the image
forming device, the external device can determine whether the image
forming device can perform two-sided printing. Therefore, it is possible
to reduce time for selecting an image to be output, and setting a
condition for output.

[0064] Moreover, settings for outputting an image on two sides of a medium
can be effectively specified.

[0065] Furthermore, the external device can specify print settings for the
image forming device upon the direct printing in a proper manner.

[0066] Moreover, it is possible to divide images at the number of images
depending on a capacity of the external device, and transmit the divided
images to the image forming device. Therefore, it is possible to specify
print settings for the image forming device in a proper manner.

[0067] Furthermore, it is possible to output the images onto a medium
without a page break at an undesired position.

[0068] Moreover, it is possible to output images onto two sides of a
medium without a page break at an undesired position.

[0069] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific
embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are
not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all
modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled
in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.